Energy bills, scams, cable TV and more were the focus of a recent Citizens Utility Board meeting at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora.

The event was sponsored by the board as well as state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, who is running for mayor of the city. She said the board has been around for more than 30 years to help energy customers in Illinois.

"We've seen a lot of price gouging over time, and a program like this is important because everybody pays utility bills," Chapa LaVia said.

Jim Chilsen, director of communications for the CUB, said that the event was all about creating consumer power.

"We have a small staff of about 20 to 25 people, but there are anywhere from 400 to 500 CUB events held throughout the state each year, which means there is probably a CUB event happening somewhere every day," Chilsen said. "We've found that when it comes to the utility market, knowledge is power, and we want to help consumers reduce their bills as much as possible as well as avoid scams."

Residents who came to the program said they had questions about their bills and were also looking to learn more about using new smart meters.

"I'm disappointed in my last two electric bills and want to know what the consumption rate per hour is," said Mike Kline, of Aurora. "I know they have these things about usage and peak times, but I need to learn more about it."

Ernesto Ochoa and his wife, Kit, of Aurora, said their bills are also too high.

"We've seen so many increases, and despite all the energy efficiency things we have, our bills are still sky high," Kit Ochoa said. "We're looking to learn more about these charges and what else we can do."

Bryan McDaniel, CUB's director of governmental affairs, was the featured presenter and offered a range of tips for participants at the meeting.

"There are a lot of pitfalls out there when it comes to the energy companies, and we've found that a lot of these alternative energy companies' rates are actually higher," McDaniel said. "When it comes to changing from ComEd or Nicor, you really have to shop."

McDaniel said that spinoff companies using the Nicor name in their product like to sell things people don't need.

"There is a company with the name of Nicor Home Solutions that sells a product called ComfortGuard for pipe or refrigerator leaks in your house," he said. "People think they should have it because it has the Nicor name in it. There is also a Nicor Advanced Energy that is an unregulated supplier selling energy at a much higher rate."

McDaniel also said Nicor offers consumers a no-cost energy audit, which includes a home visit as well as a free programmable thermostat.

"Being energy efficient is the best way of all to lower your bill," he said.

Regarding cable and phone service, getting rid of your landline "reduces competition," McDaniel said, making cable or internet service your only options. McDaniel urged residents to be very proactive regarding their cable service.

"The fact is that Comcast or AT&T treats their new customers better than the people that have been with them for 10 years," he said. "You have to aggressively negotiate your cable bill by calling the company and asking for the retention department. It's their job to keep you as a customer and prevent you from going somewhere else."